A Landmark $20 Million Gift Establishes Jim Thorpe Center in Pennsylvania

Jim Thorpe Center: A New Dawn for Native Peoples

On October 30, 2025, Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, unveiled the Jim Thorpe Center for the Futures of Native Peoples. This facility rises near the historic site of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School (CIIS), the first federally funded off-reservation boarding school aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into Euro-American culture. This initiative signifies not only a reconciliation with the past but also a commitment to fostering Native identity and excellence in a space that celebrates cultural heritage.

The creation of the center is made possible through a generous $20 million donation from Samuel G. Rose, a prominent alumnus and philanthropist of the college. It includes the Samuel G. Rose '58 Art Gallery, which aims to highlight Native art and represents the largest single investment in the college's arts sector. The gallery will augment Dickinson's existing collection, enhancing academic exposure to Indigenous art forms.

Honoring a Legacy

The center is named after Jim Thorpe, an iconic Native American athlete of the Sac and Fox Nation, who excelled in multiple sports, including track, football, and baseball. Thorpe’s legacy not only lies in his athletic prowess but also in his steadfast support for Native American rights and community development throughout his life. The Jim Thorpe Center stands as a testament to his impact and the importance of Indigenous stories within the fabric of American history.

Amanda Cheromiah, the executive director of the center and a descendant of CIIS students, has emphasized the power of this new establishment, stating that its proximity to the original site of cultural erasure is symbolically profound. The center represents resilience and a flourishing identity among Native peoples, reflecting a pivot from the narratives imposed by assimilation policies.

A Historical Context

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School, operational between 1879 and 1918, was designed as a method to 'kill the Indian, save the man.' This often brutal history of forced assimilation left deep scars on Native communities. Recognizing this troubled past, Dickinson College has taken steps to ensure that it is documented, preserved, and taught. The new center will utilize the college's extensive digital archives of CIIS materials, establishing itself as a hub for research and education related to Native histories.

The Indigenous Futures Center is designed by the O Z Collaborative, led by architect Richard Olaya and landscape architect Johnpaul Jones, who has a rich heritage linked to Choctaw and Cherokee tribes. Jones's involvement ensures that the building reflects Indigenous values and aesthetics, making it not just a functional space but also a site of cultural significance.

In a collaboration with the Mellon Foundation, the center will host educational programs, exhibitions, and events that promote Indigenous voices and embrace community engagement. The overarching aim is to create a space where Native stories are uplifted, and where Native youth can envision and foster their futures.

As Dickinson College continues its journey of exploration and healing, the Jim Thorpe Center serves as a beacon of hope, resilience, and commitment to Native peoples. It marks a significant turning point in addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities and promotes a future founded on respect, recognition, and reconciliation.

In conclusion, this investment is more than just a building; it is a cultural reclamation and an enduring effort to ensure that the past informs a vibrant and empowered future. As the Jim Thorpe Center officially opens its doors, it invites not only the Dickinson community but all who seek to understand and honor the rich history of Native Americans in the Americas.